Two Georgian double-amputee soldiers intend to set world records to prove abilities have no limits
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Thursday, October 8
Two Georgian double-amputee soldiers wounded while serving as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan are going to set world records on December 3, on the International Day of People with Disabilities, to prove that abilities have no limits and encourage people with various disabilities.
To meet the goal, the soldiers require financial assistance, which they hope to attract through donations on the webpage Indiegogo.com.
The total sum required is $32,210 USD, which will be spent on flights & accommodation, meals, equipment, the Guinness World Records Judge invitation, as well as the Indiegogo webpage service fees.
The name of the campaign is “Warriors Beyond Abilities.”
Corporal Temur Dadiani, 24,who has already set the world record for planche push-ups twice, has to complete more than 25 pull-ups with an additional 40 lb weight in one minute in order to achieve a new world record, while it will be the first attempt for Aleko Gitolendia, 30, who will complete a 3-kilometre swim in the shortest time possible. During the attempt, Aleko will only wear swimming goggles.
“In December, the most suitable weather for open water swimming is in Hawaii. That's why we chose it for our event. The record attempt will be held on the Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu, and will be attended by the record officials, including the Guinness World Records Adjudicator, as well as members of the World Open Water Swimming Association,” the soldiers stated.
This swim will be complicated for Gitolendia as he has had both limbs amputed above the knee, as well as having had his hand broken in three places. He also sustained damage to his arm, his elbow and his wrist, as well as to his tendons and ligaments.
"I often used to swim during the treatment course in USA. I was spending hours in the swimming pools and could swim a long distance without any rest. I was doing this exercise only for my health. Only after Temur had established his world record, I realized that I could do the same," said Aleko and added: "For many people with disabilities, assistance and support are prerequisites for participating in society. We want to give an example to those who need it,” Gitolendia said for Indiegogo.com.
On August 3, 2014, exactly three years after the accident, Temur amazed the public with his unusual exercise and was certified by the Guinness World Records.
A year later, Dadiani once again revealed his power and broke his own record at a charity marathon dubbed "We Win Together".
